This past Wednesday, May 7, had us finishing up the Newbery honor book, Rules, written by Maine author Cynthia Lord with fifth graders. The idea for the book came from the author's own experience raising a son with Autism. The story centers around twelve-year-old Catherine who is frustrated with having an autistic younger brother. Catherine longs for a normal existence, but finds her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic. There was much to discuss. What was super special was having Cynthia Lord came in person! to talk with the students. She was fantastic. Cynthia brought along to share some of her plastic ducks -- you'd have to read the book to understand their significance, and her Newbery honor plaque (we all were allowed to make a wish by placing our hand over the Newbery medal). Lord also shared some writing tips we all found useful. Thank you, Cynthia Lord. We all hope you keep writing!
This Wednesday, May 14 another group of fifth graders who read, The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg will get to Skype with author Rodman Philbrick. His book is set during the Civil War and is about twelve-year-old Homer's extraordinary adventures after running away from his evil uncle in rural Maine to rescues his brother who has been sold into service in the Civil War. Another Newbery honor book from 2010, we are looking forward to hearing Mr. Philbrick, who also wrote the very popular young adult novel, Freak the Mighty.
Stay tuned for upcoming information about the summer reading program, Fizz! Boom! Read! Sign up will begin the week school is out!
